[Rollbar]

Good tip from a friend.

Quote

We recently had a Jeep flop on it's side. Fluid ran out of the trans dipstick and onto the headers, where it caught fire. First guy there took his extinguisher and although it said "FULL", it shot nothing but air (powder was packed from sitting in the Jeep). He threw it aside and grabbed a second, which worked, and put out the fire. When he picked up the first one and pulled the trigger again, it worked.

Since then, I take my extinguishers out about twice a year, turn them upside down, and bang on them with a rubber hammer. Cheap insurance that it works when you need it.

Bob

[JeepNWilly]

Rollbar, on Jun 7 2009, 09:24 PM, said:

Good tip from a friend.

Back when I had a electronic repair business we got visited by an inspector once or twice a year and they inspect all our fire safety items. They would always hit the fire extinguisher with a rubber malet the same way you described.

[greentj]

good info there, thanks!

[RunninBare]

As a former extinguisher tech I do a little more than that with mine... when you take it out of the bracket or wherever you keep it, turn it upside down and hit it repeadedly with a rubber mallet like you stated (if you do this often you only need hit it with the palm of your hand). After that turn it back and forth (upside down and rightside up) multiple times slowly to feel the powder fall to the top and to the bottom. This is super fine powder and some people may not feel it move. This motion insures the packed powder will break up inside. If your extinguisher is mounted in an easy to get to place, and isn't strapped in with 32 miles of velcro or electrical tape or whatever, you should be able to do this 3 or 4 times a year (don't forget, the vibrations in a Jeep help the powder settle). I check mine before every wheeling trip while I'm putting my stuff in my Jeep.

[Wardie]

Great info!!
Never thought of that.
The few fires I had were put out quickly because I was fortunate enough to have extinguishers that worked.
I'll do this often for now on!

[AllXJ96]

Heck having a fire exstinguisher in the first place is a great idea, just ask my JK

[Wildbill]

Great tip there Rollbar......... I've seen home and business ones serviced this way but never thought about the mobile one.

[YellowSub2000]

This would be a great pre-wheeling check for everyone that has one.

[Safari Outfitter]

Thank you for the information. Such a simple thing could save someone's life.

[RunninBare]

bump

[Rollbar]

Yep, I did it the other week, looked down @ the F.E. in the camper and said to myself, self, this needs to be turned upside down and BEAT on so I did and feel better. It is a good safety tip. Thanks for bringing it back fro remembrance.

[92SquareEye]

i just found the bracket to put my second one on. it's been sitting since i did the last rebuild so i'll beat on it good before mounting it...will hit the other on too for good measure. good tip!!

-dave

[StuckZilla]

RunninBare, on Jun 8 2009, 06:31 AM, said:

As a former extinguisher tech I do a little more than that with mine... when you take it out of the bracket or wherever you keep it, turn it upside down and hit it repeadedly with a rubber mallet like you stated (if you do this often you only need hit it with the palm of your hand). After that turn it back and forth (upside down and rightside up) multiple times slowly to feel the powder fall to the top and to the bottom. This is super fine powder and some people may not feel it move. This motion insures the packed powder will break up inside. If your extinguisher is mounted in an easy to get to place, and isn't strapped in with 32 miles of velcro or electrical tape or whatever, you should be able to do this 3 or 4 times a year (don't forget, the vibrations in a Jeep help the powder settle). I check mine before every wheeling trip while I'm putting my stuff in my Jeep.

Just did this with the two I keep mounted on my TJ. As very well described in the above you can actually feel the powder inside move. Great information and excellent advice about doing this quarterly. Crap happens, preparation can limit the impact. Thanks!

[Wildbill]

This is some worthwhile info....... so I pinned it.

[MikeJoel]

Great tip! Simple but it sure can help save lives. Thanks for sharing!

[Rollbar]

U All are

One thing though

THIS TIP DOES NOT WORK ON SQUARE HEADLIGHTS

[Rollbar]

That time of the year again to check them